The Art of Michael Duane

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February 29, 2016

Article and Photography Provided

As a lifelong Kansan, I live and work in a state where the weather can quickly change from sunshine and cool breezes to ominous black clouds and howling winds. It is the perfect place for me and my art because of my lifelong fascination with the forces of nature, which began after witnessing a tornado at the tender age of 7.

I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Fine Art and Design. I’ve created art in several mediums over the course of my professional career, including pen and ink, acrylic, and watercolor. Several years ago, I became enamored with the bold, pure colors of pastels. Using this medium, I decided to combine my love of art with my infatuation with the forces of nature. In the spring and summer, I go outside to experience the Midwestern weather at its most compelling and most dangerous moods in order to capture the amazing features of sky, clouds and land. In creating my art, I’m compelled to simplify the land – in most cases the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills – while detailing the skies to bring out their magnificent beauty. I eschew texture, instead blending the pastels with my fingers which results in a smooth surface. I hope upon viewing my art, people can feel the serenity or the force and experience the weather as I do.

My art is available at Leawood Fine Art at Camelot Court in Leawood and the Southwind Gallery in Topeka. My studio is located in Overland Park where I live with my wife, Lisa.